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2025 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Grant Round Application Guidelines

Important Note

These Guidelines provide detailed information to help explain and clarify the 2025 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

CDRLF Objective

The Community Development Revolving Loan Fund, administered by NCUA, provides funding to help eligible low-income-designated (LID) credit unions provide affordable financial services to their members and to stimulate economic activities in their communities.

NCUA makes technical assistance grants to eligible LID credit unions for initiatives approved by the NCUA Board. These initiatives may change between years, and tend to focus on supporting activities that address challenges faced by credit unions.

The 2025 CDRLF Grant Round will provide approximately $3.465 million to eligible credit unions through six grant initiatives:

  • New Charter Capacity Building
  • Student Internships
  • Technology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence
  • Training
  • Underserved Outreach
  • Impact through Innovation (Pilot)

Funds for the Impact through Innovation Pilot Initiative will only be available to credit unions that already received a 2023 CDRLF Pilot grant. All 2023 CDRLF Impact through Innovation Pilot grant. All 2023 CDRLF Pilot grantees should consult their 2023 CDRLF Pilot Grant Post-award guidelines for additional information.

Details about all initiatives are in the Grant Initiatives section of this document.

Application Submission

Credit unions are allowed to submit up to two applications, but each application must be submitted for a different initiative. For example, a credit union can apply for the Training and the Underserved Outreach initiatives but not two Training initiative grants. Credit unions are not required to submit two applications.

If you submit two grant applications, you must clearly identify your priorities: one application should be marked as your first priority while the other is marked as your second priority. If you are unsure about which grant to designate as your first priority, identify which project would provide the greatest benefit to your credit union and mark that as “first priority”.

While credit unions may submit two applications, each credit union may only receive one award (provided the application merits an award). Any applications submitted beyond the two-application maximum will not be reviewed or considered. Note: when making the decision to apply to a grant, we recommend reviewing the Terms and Conditions first.

Critical Dates1

  • Immediately —Complete the initial or renewal registration for the System of Award Management (via SAM.gov); this SAM registration is required to apply for a grant and the process may take over 4 weeks to complete.
  • October 15, 2025 —The grant round will open at 12 p.m. Eastern. Applications will be available electronically through the NCUA’s Grants Management System.
  • December 9, 2025 —This is the last day to contact NCUA with inquiries regarding the grant round. All questions must be submitted by email to CUREAPPS@ncua.gov.
  • December 16, 2025 —The grant round closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

General Eligibility and Administrative Requirements

Refer to the 2025 CDRLF NOFO for a full list of eligibility and administrative requirements. Note the following specific requirements:

We will only consider applications that meet the requirements documented in the Eligibility section of the 2025 CDRLF NOFO.

Required Application Information

For all the initiatives, applicants must provide the following information:

  • Multiple Application Priority Selection: If you choose to submit two applications for distinct grant initiatives, select “first” or “second” to indicate the priority of your applications.
  • Project Title: Provide a title for the proposed project (limit of 100 characters).
  • Request Amount: State the amount your credit union is requesting for the initiative. Round to the nearest hundred dollars.
  • Estimated Project Start and End Dates: Enter the anticipated start and end dates for the project.
  • Overall Project Plan: Explain the project the credit union intends to complete as follows:
    • Select the credit union’s needs, the target community it serves, and the needs of that community from a pre-populated list of options. You may choose more than one. Indicate the challenges faced by the credit union membership and target population. Consider the credit union’s current ability to serve its membership and identify areas for service improvement.
    • Select the project activity from the pre-populated list of approved activities, then explain how you plan to implement your project and how that will address the needs you identified above. This narrative should also describe any potential risks associated with your project and how your credit union plans to mitigate the risks.
    • Include a narrative explaining the expected outcome(s) and impact of completing the project. Tell us how your impact metrics align with the proposed project and address the needs identified in the application.
  • Project Impact: Identify two reasonable metrics to measure the impact of the project. For each metric, enter the target level or goal anticipated by the end of the project. See the Impact Measurement section for additional information. NCUA will review actual project metrics when your project is complete.
  • Project Budget: Identify the planned uses of grant funds and outline them in a project budget. Please review the initiative summaries described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO and align your proposed expenses with the aims and activities for each initiative. The budget must also support the requested award amount. See the CDRLF Grant Project Budget Example.
  • Grant-to-Loan Application Conversion: Indicate whether you would like NCUA to consider your project for a low-interest CDRLF loan if your grant is not approved for our limited grant funding. To qualify, the total project costs indicated in the Project Budget must be no less than $50,000. Indicating interest in this process will not affect the decision to fund a grant for your project. Opting in assists NCUA as it considers your project for a CDRLF low-interest loan if your grant application is not approved. If you have submitted two grant applications, the grant-to-loan application conversion would apply to the second priority project if the grant is awarded for your first priority project.
  • Certifications: For consideration, applicants must review and certify the Terms and Conditions and Assurances for Non-Construction (Standard Form 424B) to confirm compliance with all applicable federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing and applicable to the CDRLF program.

Note that NCUA may request additional information and materials.

Grant Initiatives

New Charter Capacity Building

Overview

Applicants can select from the following eligible activities described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO:

  • Training
  • Mentoring and Technical Assistance Provided by Another Credit Union
  • Implementation of New Products and Services
  • Strategic Planning
  • Compliance with Audit and Regulatory Oversight
  • Resource Expansion
  • Outreach

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Salary expenses associated with training staff, board, or volunteers of the credit union.
  • Marketing of new products and services. Production or procurement of educational materials, such as guides or handbooks.
  • Travel and lodging fees associated with attendance at relevant career development courses.
    • Travel and lodging expenses, if needed, must be in line with federal rates, as listed on General Services Administration’s website, and must not exceed 25 percent of the federal share of the total project costs.

Student Internships

Overview

Applicants can select from a list of eligible activities described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO, such as:

  • Planning and implementation of a student internship program
  • Purchase of equipment, software, and other materials to support a student internship

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Compensation to interns for completing activities that improve the credit union’s capacity to better serve its members
  • Hardware, software, and other peripheral costs associated with supporting a student internship

Technology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence

Overview

Applicants can select from the following eligible activities described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO:

  • Implementation of Mobile/Online Banking Features
  • Remote Workforce Management and Solutions
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity
  • Communication via chatbot or voice response
  • Natural language processing offering communications in different languages
  • Fraud detection and identity theft through biometrics or voice recognition to identify suspicious patterns

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Implementation costs (project setup, service, and startup), enhancement fees, or consultant costs
  • Costs of equipment and/or software required and costs associated with training employees to install and manage new equipment and software
  • Costs of equipment and/or software required and costs associated with incorporating artificial intelligence software and hardware into internal systems
  • Marketing expenses associated with the project must not exceed 25 percent of the federal share of the total project costs

Training

Overview

Applicants can select from the following eligible activities described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO:

  • Continuity and Succession Planning
  • Staff Development

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Consultant fees related to continuity, consumer financial protection requirements, and/or succession planning.
  • Enrollment fees for relevant career development courses or conferences.
  • Travel and lodging fees associated with attendance at relevant training events.
  • Travel and lodging expenses, if needed, must be in line with federal rates, as listed on General Services Administration’s website, and must not exceed 25 percent of the federal share of the total project costs.

Underserved Outreach

Overview

Applicants can select from the following eligible activities described in the 2025 CDRLF NOFO:

  • New or Expanded Outreach Efforts
  • New or Expanded Financial Education Programs
  • New or Expanded Financial Products or Services

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Procurement, development, or production of educational materials, financial products, and/or services.
  • Consultant services in developing an outreach strategy and marketing plan targeted to the identified, low-income population.
  • Travel and lodging expenses, if needed, must be in line with federal rates, as listed on General Services Administration’s website, and must not exceed 25 percent of the federal share of the total project costs.
  • Expenses associated with developing marketing materials.

Impact Measurement

Applicants must select two of the following performance metrics, irrespective of the initiative for which they apply:

  • Asset Growth ($): The increase in the credit union’s assets because of the project.
  • Loan Growth (%): An increase in the credit union’s loan portfolio because of the project.
  • Members Served: The number of members served by product or service because of the project.
  • Membership Growth: The increase in the number of members because of the project.
  • Custom Metric: If the listed metrics do not apply to the project, you can create a custom metric. This metric must be quantitative—for example, the number of employees trained or the completion of a cybersecurity audit.

Applicants must explain how the grant will help the credit union meet the selected metrics and accomplish the greater goals of the project.

CDRLF Grant Project Budget Example

Applicants must provide us with information on how the credit union plans to use grant funds. This must be done by submitting a project budget. The Project Budget specifies the resources required to carry out the proposed project: it should be clear, well-organized, and easy-to-understand. Please see the illustrative budget below, with an explanation of each section.

  • Project Activity: Indicate which of the project activities selected in the application that the budget item supports.
  • Budget Narrative: The budget narrative is the justification of how and why a line item helps to meet the project goals. Applicants should briefly explain the elements of each proposed cost to validate that all expenses as reasonable and appropriate for the project.
  • Total Estimated Project Costs: The total estimated project cost includes all costs associated with the project. This may exceed the award amount and include costs that are covered by the credit union.
  • Portion Covered by CDRLF Grant: The portion covered by the CDRLF grant is the portion of the total estimated project costs that will be covered by the award funds. This cannot exceed the total estimated project cost amount.
Project Activity Budget Narrative Total Estimated Project Cost Portion Covered by CDRLF Grant
Implementation of Mobile/Online Banking Features This system will allow credit union members to deposit funds without physically accessing the branch. $18,000 $18,000
Strengthen Cybersecurity Vulnerability testing, IT audit, and installation of new software and equipment. $17,000 $7,000
Project Total   $35,000 $25,000

NCUA uses the Project Budget to determine the final award amount. Any unallowable expenses will not be included in a potential award amount. NCUA has the right to reject an application if ineligible activities make up a significant part of the expenses that would be covered by the CDRLF grant.

General Expense Guidelines

Applicants must adhere to the cost principles in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E, and the general expense guidelines outlined here.

  • Eligible pre-award costs are allowed
  • Expenses eligible for reimbursement must be incurred on or after the date the NOFO is published, and before the grant ends, unless NCUA provides written notification of an exception

Credit unions are solely responsible for any project costs incurred if their grant application is not approved for award.

  • All expenses must be directly related to the specific approved grant initiative.
  • Any expenses not related to the approved initiative will be denied.
  • If a credit union is unsure about the eligible expenses associated with the project, seek clarification from NCUA in writing before incurring the expenses. This helps avoid issues at the time of a payment request. Inquiries can be submitted by email to CUREAPPS@ncua.gov.
  • The credit union must provide evidence that the proposed project was successfully completed to receive reimbursement. This may include invoices, certifications, or other documents. Additional post-award guidance will be provided to awardees.
  • NCUA will not pay for expenses that exceed the total grant award amount or expenses unrelated to the awarded project.
  • Applicants should perform a due diligence review before entering any arrangement with a third party. The NCUA’s Letter to Credit Unions 01-CU-20, Due Diligence Over Third Party Service Providers, provides guidance to credit unions.
  • Submitted third-party vendor agreements must include the services or products provided and the associated costs.
  • For reimbursement, contractor fees must be substantiated in writing through a partnership/contractor’s agreement.
  • Invoices from outside parties must be billed to and paid by the credit union. NCUA will not reimburse expenses paid through a credit union official’s account.

Expenses Not Allowed

The following expenses are not allowed and will not be reimbursed by NCUA:

  • Expenses that create conflicts of interest, including:
    • Employees and board members may not receive compensation from hired consultants, partners, or vendors
    • Contracts, agreements, or internships given to credit union employees and board members or their relatives are prohibited
  • The following miscellaneous operational expenses are not allocable uses of grant funds:
    • Indirect costs
    • Custodial services
    • Alcohol
    • Matching Funds, such as the matching portion of an Individual Development Account program
    • Monthly and annual maintenance costs for technical support
    • Insurance costs
    • Promotional items, such as gifts, giveaways, souvenirs, and gift cards
    • Recurring operational expenses, including rent, utilities, annual financial audits, depreciation, funding for the allowance for loan losses, and office supplies
    • NCUA or other government agency employee expenses and projects/contracts based on covered relationships with NCUA employee(s)

Application Review Process

NCUA will review applications to verify eligibility. Eligible projects will be scored based on the rubrics outlined in Steps Two and Three. Once scoring is complete, the projects will be placed in rank order within each initiative and funded until all funding has been exhausted. Applicants can contact NCUA to discuss the final status of their application after award decisions have been made.

Eligible applicants can receive up to a total of 100 points based on the review process described below.

Step 1: Program Eligibility

NCUA reviews each application to verify that applicants are low-income- designated and have both an active SAM registration and unique entity identifier (UEI) to validate the application meets general-eligibility-administrative-requirements. As noted in the NOFO, the following table outlines asset size and other:

Initiative Asset Size and Other Requirements Maximum Award Amount
New Charter Capacity Building Applicant must have been in operation for fewer than 10 years and have total assets of no more than $10 million. $50,000
Student Internships Maximum asset size of $250 million $25,000
Technology, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Maximum asset size of $250 million $25,000
Training Maximum asset size of $100 million $25,000
Underserved Outreach No asset size limitations $50,000

Applicants that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not proceed to Step 2.

* Please note that the Impact through Innovation Pilot grant initiative was not included in the chart above because those funds will be available only to credit unions that received a 2023 CDRLF Pilot grant under the Impact Through Innovation initiative.

Step 2: Program Priority Scoring

Eligible applicants receive a score based on the rubric outlined below. The factors of this score reflect the NCUA’s priority in reaching credit unions most in need of CDRLF funding.

Factor Condition Score
Asset Size <$2M 30
Asset Size $2M to <$10M 25
Asset Size $10M to <$50M 20
Asset Size $50M to <$100M 15
Asset Size $100M to <$200M 10
Asset Size $200M to <$450M 5
Asset Size ≥$450M 0
Previous Participation in the CDRLF The applicant has never applied for a CDRLF grant or loan. 5
Previous Participation in the CDRLF The applicant has not received a CDRLF grant or loan in the past five years. 3
Previous Participation in the CDRLF The applicant has received a CDRLF award (grant or loan) in the past five years. 0

Applications that do not receive at least 10 points will not proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Project Objective, Budget, and Compliance Review

NCUA evaluates each application using the scoring criteria below.

Project Objective Score

NCUA scores applications based on how well each of the following topics are addressed in the narrative, budget, and any supplemental documentation provided.

Objective Area Description Score
CDRLF Program Objective
  • The project meets the objectives of the initiative for which the credit union has applied.
 1–5
Credit Union Need
  • The credit union's selected need(s), target population, target communities, and the challenges facing the communities (chosen from a pre-populated list of options) align with the initiative selected.
 1–5
Project Implementation
  • The applicant’s narrative contains a clear plan to implement the project based on the selected project activity or multiple project activities, the credit union need(s), and the needs of the target population(s). Failure to clearly explain how the project meets the aims of and includes activities for the chosen initiative may result in the application being rejected.
  • The applicant’s narrative must include an estimated timeline that details their plan to complete all activities before the grant end date.
  • If applicable, the applicant must demonstrate how their proposed project plan and activities are different from any of their previously completed or active CDRLF grant projects. Proposing projects that are identical to previously awarded projects may result in the application being rejected.
  • The applicant identifies any potential risks associated with the project and presents risk mitigation strategies that would help increase the likelihood of project success.
 1–20
Project Impact
  • The applicant demonstrates how the project’s potential impact and outcomes align with the overall CDRLF program purpose and the objectives of the selected initiative.
  • The applicant explains how their impact metrics are quantifiable and could be used to demonstrate whether the project is successful.
  • The applicant explains how their impact metrics align with the proposed project outcomes and are directly applicable to the proposed project.
 1–20

Budget Score

NCUA evaluates the project budget based on how the proposed use of funds supports the project activities.

Budget Area Description Score
Budget alignment with Project Objectives and Plan
  • The applicant’s budget demonstrates a clear understanding of the expenses required to successfully complete the project
  • The proposed expenses in applicant’s budget are allowable, fair, and reasonable, according to the expense guidelines in this document and the 2 CFR 200 Subpart E Cost principles
 1–15

Compliance Score

NCUA will reduce the overall score of applicants that have terminated CDRLF awards in the past, regardless of whether the award was terminated for cause or if the applicant unilaterally requested that NCUA terminate their award.

Severe compliance issues on previous CDRLF awards may result in the application being rejected.

Description Score reduction
The applicant has one or more previous CDRLF awards terminated. -30

Step 4: Application Ranking Order

NCUA will combine the applicant’s Program Priority, Project Objective, Budget, and Compliance scores.

Applications are sorted by initiative and ranked in descending order based on each applicant’s total score. In the case of a score tie, asset size will serve as the tiebreaker, with the credit union with smallest asset size ranking higher. All applications ranked as described above will advance to Step 5.

Step 5: Grant Amount Determination

NCUA will determine the grant amount for each application based on the Tier Classification below, the allowable amount requested, and funding availability.

Tier Classification

Applicants will be assigned to risk tiers based on CAMELS rating, feedback from the Regional Offices, and other relevant data. Every tiered credit union, regardless of CAMELS rating, will be considered for funding.2 The tier classification sets the maximum grant award amounts and will be considered when determining the applicant’s ability to successfully manage the award, based on the financial health of the credit union and the level of risk to the CDRLF grant fund.

Tier A

Credit unions with a Composite Rating of 1 or 2, no component ratings of 3, 4, or 5. Tier A applicants may receive a grant of up to the maximum award amount.

Tier B

Credit unions with a Composite Rating of 1, 2, or 3, no component ratings of 4 or 5. Tier B applicants may receive a grant of up to the maximum award amount.

Tier C

Newly chartered and non-federally insured credit unions may not have received an examination from NCUA or a state supervisory authority. Tier C applicants require a review of the credit union’s most recently audited financial statements and, for newly chartered credit unions, financial projections that support the ability to manage the requested CDLRF grant.3 Tier C applicants may receive a grant of up to the maximum award amount and may only have up to $100,000 in CDRLF grants open at one time.

Tier D

Credit unions with any component ratings of 4 or 5. Tier D applicants may receive a grant of up to $25,000 and may only have one CDRLF grant open at one time.

The agency will distribute funds to applications based on the final ranking for each initiative until the allocation for each initiative is exhausted.

Post-Award Requirements

All credit union awardees are responsible for the timely and complete submission of post-award-phase activities. Post-award requirements are summarized below. Awardees will receive post-award guidelines with more information about the post-award process.

Terms and Conditions

All applicants should read the entire Terms and Conditions before submitting their applications to understand eligibility and post award requirements. A summary is below.

NCUA administers the program in accordance with 2 CFR 200.300, statutory, administrative, and national policy requirements.

In addition to Standard Form 424B—Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, the applicant must certify it meets and agrees to the following terms and conditions, before applying:

  • Only applicants that are a low-income-designated credit union, as defined in section 701.34 or 741.204 of NCUA’s regulations, are eligible.
  • Applicant must comply with U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200.
  • Applicant must undergo an audit if they hold $1,000,000 or more in federal awards during a fiscal year. Applicants that hold less than $1,000,000 in federal awards are exempt from this requirement.
    • For example, if a credit union uses a $250,000 loan from the NCUA’s CDRLF and a $750,000 grant from the CDFI Fund, totaling $1,000,000 in federal awards during the same fiscal year, then the credit union must be audited.
  • Applicant is responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the federal award through application of sound management practices. Applicant assumes the responsibility for administering federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, program objectives, and the term and conditions of the federal award.
  • Applicant must adhere to applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and administrative and national policy requirements, including executive orders and other presidential directives. Please note that executive orders applicable to federal funding are published at the Federal Register: Executive Orders webpage.
  • Applicant is responsible for ensuring no employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor has participated substantially in this grant-funded activity, nor otherwise benefited directly or indirectly from the grant, who, to its knowledge (assuming reasonable diligence), has a “covered relationship” with an NCUA employee who presently holds a position that would enable him or her to influence a pending or future grant award, or a payment of permitted expenses thereunder.
    • An employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor of the Applicant would have such a “covered relationship” if he or she were either a member of the household of an NCUA employee who presently holds a position that would enable him or her to influence a pending or future grant award, or a payment thereunder; or a relative of such an NCUA employee with whom he or she has a close personal relationship. 5 C.F.R. 2635.502(b)(1)(ii).
  • In accordance with applicable federal awarding agency policy, applicant must disclose any conflicts of interest, in writing, to NCUA.
  • Per 2 C.F.R 200.113, Applicant must disclose all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the award.
  • The Applicant conducts its activities such that no person is excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy or sexual orientation), age, or disability in the distribution of services and/or benefits provided under this grant program. Furthermore, the Applicant must comply with all applicable Federal civil rights laws and nondiscrimination requirements, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 .U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), and all applicable implementing regulations. The credit union certifies that it does not operate any programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion that violate any applicable Federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. The credit union agrees to provide evidence of its compliance as required by NCUA.
  • If the applicant makes commitments for a project before the grant decision is made, the credit union is responsible for project expenses from its own funds if the grant is not approved; if the grant is approved, the credit union may request payment for expenses incurred dating back to the day the applicable NOFO was published.
  • To reallocate or change approved project(s), including changing the grant expiration date, submit a written request to NCUA before the grant expiration date. Your request must be submitted and approved before the grant expires.
  • Applicant is aware that NCUA will correspond with the credit union regarding this application by email, using the email address provided in this application.
  • Applicant hereby acknowledges that NCUA reserves full discretion to deny payment under this grant in the event NCUA determines the Applicant is, or previously was, either in breach of any condition or limitation in the grant guidelines or in breach of the ‘covered relationship’ restriction set forth above.
  • Information included in Outcome Summary or Success Stories is considered by NCUA to be Research Data, is governed by 2 C.F.R. 200.315, and may be made publicly available.
  • The Applicant is aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent information or the omission of any material fact may subject Applicant to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties for fraud, false statements, false claims, or otherwise. (U.S. Code Title 18, Section 1001 and Title 31, Sections 3729–3730, and 3801–3812). The credit union agrees that its compliance with all applicable Federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729(b)(4).
  • Applicant is aware recipients and subrecipients are prohibited from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system or as critical technology as part of any system in accordance with Public Law 115-232, section 889 and 2 CFR 200.216.
  • Applicant is aware that any remedies for non-compliance taken by NCUA, including termination and suspension, will be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200.339 through 2 CFR 200.343.
  • Applicants receiving payment in advance must maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability.
  • System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and Universal Identifier Requirements
  1. Requirement for System for Award Management.
    1. Unless exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110, the recipient must maintain a current and active registration in SAM.gov . The recipient's registration must always be current and active until the recipient submits all final reports required under this Federal award or receives the final payment, whichever is later. The recipient must review and update its information in SAM.gov at least annually from the date of its initial registration or any subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. If applicable, this includes identifying the recipient's immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries and providing information about the recipient's predecessors that have received a Federal award or contract within the last three years.
  2. Requirement for Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
    1. If the recipient is authorized to make subawards under this Federal award, the recipient:
      1. Must notify potential subrecipients that no entity may receive a subaward until the entity has provided its UEI to the recipient.
      2. Must not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has provided its UEI to the recipient. Subrecipients are not required to complete full registration in SAM.gov to obtain a UEI.
  3. Definitions. For the purposes of this award term:

    System for Award Management (SAM.gov) means the Federal repository into which a recipient must provide the information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about registration procedures may be found in SAM.gov (currently at https://www.sam.gov).

    Unique entity identifier means the universal identifier assigned by SAM.gov to uniquely identify an entity.
    Entity is defined at 2 CFR 25.400 and includes all of the following types as defined in 2 CFR 200.1:

    1. Non-Federal entity;
    2. Foreign organization;
    3. Foreign public entity;
    4. Domestic for-profit organization; and
    5. Federal agency.

    Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.

    Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.

Grant Agreement

The Grant Agreement includes important award information, such as the award amount, national policy requirements, termination provisions, performance period dates, and the approved project budget. In the Grant Agreement, the awardee affirms its intent to accept the award and complete the project in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

At the time of award, the awardee must provide the benchmark for each impact metric chosen in the application. These metrics will be tracked through subsequent reporting requirements.

The credit union accepts the terms of the award and formally accepts the CDRLF grant. A grant can be withdrawn if the credit union fails to formally accept the grant by the deadline.

Payment and Performance Report

Each final payment request requires credit unions to provide an outcome summary, reporting on impact metrics, evidence of the project’s successful completion, and certification the grant funds were used as described in the application.

Generally, credit unions must use their own funds for the approved project according to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement, then request reimbursement for eligible expenses when the project is complete. For awards of $15,000 and more, credit unions may request partial reimbursements throughout the performance period, though no more frequently than quarterly.

Credit unions with assets below $25 million may request payment before incurring project costs. Advances will not exceed 25 percent of the award amount at any given time, and credit unions must include a narrative within their payment request detailing the activities that will be undertaken with the advanced funds. Awardees must expend advanced funds within 90 days of receipt.4

The specific requirements for each initiative may be subject to change but will be outlined in the post-award guidance provided by NCUA to grant awardees.

Extension Request

Credit unions may request an extension to the grant expiration date if they need additional time to complete the project. The request must include the progress to date and justify the need for additional time. Performance periods will not be extended past 18 months beyond the original grant expiration date.

Contact Information

If you need to contact NCUA regarding the CDRLF program, send your request by email to CUREAPPS@ncua.gov. Please allow up to 72 hours for a response.